I’ve tried cleaning plastic tarps but, honestly, if they’ve got paint or adhesive on them, they always end up weirdly tacky. I just factor them in as a cost of doing business.
I’ve actually used old shower curtains as drop cloths a few times—picked up a stack at a thrift store for next to nothing. They’re definitely sturdier than those flimsy dollar tarps, and I like that they’re usually a bit heavier so they don’t slide around as much. Have you tried using old bedsheets too? Sometimes they’re not waterproof, but for dust or light splatter, they do the trick. Love the creativity here—makes me wonder what else we’re all overlooking in our closets...
Old shower curtains are a solid hack—thrift stores are gold mines for stuff like that. I’ve also grabbed moving blankets from Harbor Freight when they go on sale, and they’re surprisingly good for protecting floors or furniture. For dust control, I’ve used old tablecloths (the vinyl kind) and even those plastic mattress bags you get when buying a new bed. They’re not pretty, but they do the job and you can usually reuse them a few times before they fall apart. Funny how much useful stuff ends up in the “junk” pile...
I’ve definitely raided the “junk” pile more than once during projects. When we redid the upstairs bathroom, I used old bedsheets for dust covers—worked fine, though they let a bit more through than plastic. One thing I swear by is cardboard from appliance boxes. It’s not glamorous, but it’s saved my hardwood floors from more than a few dropped tools. Never thought I’d be grateful for all the packing material that comes with new stuff...
Cardboard is a total lifesaver—I've used it under ladders and even as makeshift kneepads when I’m crawling around tiling. If you ever get big sheets of that foam insulation, those work great too, especially if you’re painting or doing anything messy. Old shower curtains are my go-to for dust covers, though. They’re heavier than bedsheets and usually don’t let much through. Not the prettiest look, but way cheaper than buying rolls of plastic sheeting every time. Funny how the “junk” pile ends up being the real MVP on these projects...
Totally agree about the “junk” pile—half my reno budget is saved just by reusing stuff most folks toss. I’ve even used cereal boxes for paint trays in a pinch. Ever tried using old towels for drop cloths? They’re not perfect, but they’re free and washable. Got any tricks for patching up drywall without buying a whole repair kit?
